I was looking at getting one for my 85z. Do they just bolt directly in? How much of a difference would putting one in make and would it be worth getting one for $10-$20? Thanks

 

It bolts straight in right above the front swaybar, and is well worth the time and money to install. It'll firm up the front end, and help keep the subframe from cracking around the steering box (common problem with 3rd gens.)

I got one from Top Down Solutions which is stronger, stiffer, and just generally better than the factory piece. I highly recommend them.

 

i always thought a wonderbar went from strut tower to strut tower? or do you mean bolt in above the sway bar above the motor?

 

It bolts in right above where the sway bar attaches, you are thinking of a strut tower brace. The factory GM part is more than sufficent.

I hate the name wonder bar.......................

 

Strut tower brace runs across the top, steering box brace (or wonderbar) runs across the bottom. The wonderbar mounts between the swaybar and the swaybar brackets on the subframe. The TDS version also bolts TO the subframe, which makes it a bit more stable.

 

where can you get one of these wonderbars at???

 

http://www.spohn.net/index.cfm?fusea...&categoryid=55

 

Has anyone tried it who can give testimony to it?

 

I have one sitting here in my living room. Just came in yesterday and I haven't had time to put it on yet. It's a damn nice looking piece though, much sturdier than the stock one's I've seen. I also like the fact that it bolts to the subframe itself as well as the swaybar bracket...that'll make it much more effective I think.

I'll post about it when I get it in (probably Sunday but possibly Friday.)

 

I found out that the Spohn piece will hit your fan mounting bracket. It's no problem if you don't mind doing a little chop work on the bracket. I like his design but he should weld the bar on at a different point and this would not be an issue. The TDS piece is also a very good design and Lon offers great service and parts, including GREASABLE 36mm front sway bar bushings. No one else offers these ready to install.

Links:
http://www.top-downsolutions.com/default.php

http://www.spohn.net/


Ed